Extremism Online – Are you Media Literate?

Imagine scrolling social media and seeing a shocking headline or video. Would you know if it’s real, misleading or designed to manipulate you?

Even with new laws like the Online Safety Act, harmful content can still reach you. That’s why your ability to question what you see online matters more than ever – be aware and make sure you are Media Literate.

Extremism Online – Are you Media Literate?

Some online content is still “legal but harmful”. This means it isn’t illegal—but it can:

Spread hate or division
Reinforce harmful beliefs
Contribute to radicalisation

Recent cases show that individuals may engage with harmful online content that doesn’t meet the threshold for intervention, but still poses risks. This highlights why personal awareness is essential.

Did You Know?

¾ of UK adults say checking multiple sources is important
Only 1 in 4 have used a fact-checking tool
3 in 10 believe conspiracy-style claims about world control
4 in 10 are sceptical of mainstream news

The harm that is caused

Increasing polarisation is becoming normal, eroding trust in institutions, the media and each other, often driven by online misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.

Spot the Difference

Misinformation = False information shared by mistake

Eg – accidentally reposting an article with incorrect statistics or sharing a rumour without verifying it first.

Disinformation = False information shared on purpose

Eg – falsified news reports, manipulated images, or AI-generated content designed to mislead while keeping accurate information hidden.

Malinformation = Real information used in a misleading or harmful way

Eg – Sharing private images publicly to harm someone, where the content itself is real but the context is malicious; providing accurate images but falsifying details like location or time to mislead, or highlighting certain facts while omitting context to create fear, outrage, or reputational damage.

What You Can Do

Pause before sharing content
Check at least 2 reliable sources
Use fact-checking sites
Report harmful content
Talk to someone if something concerns you

The rise in Islamophobia, antisemitism, and anti-migrant hate is largely caused by the intentional and unintentional spread of mis/dis/mal-information – how can you make sure that you know what to believe and behave as a good digital citizen should?

Digital Citizenship

A good digital citizen:

Thinks before posting or sharing
Challenges misinformation respectfully
Supports others online
Keeps themselves and others safe

Media Literacy

When a person is media literate they are:

More able to understand media and its associated narratives
More able to use media and tech safely
Better at understanding of algorithms
Better at understanding of mis/disinformation and AI
Better at critically engaging with different media sources
Better at understanding different social media platforms and how they work

How to Check If Something Is Real

✔ Check the source – is it trustworthy?
✔ Read beyond the headline
✔ Look for other reports
✔ Check the date
✔ Verify images with Google Lens
✔ Watch for emotional or biased language

Quick Check

You see a viral post claiming something shocking. What should you do first?

A. Share it immediately
B. Report it
C. Check other trusted sources
D. Comment your opinion

✅ Answer: C

Good sources of reference to check what you see is real and correct?

Full Fact – The UK’s independent fact-checking charity provides free tools, information, and advice to verify claims from politicians, media, and public discourse.

UK Fact Check – An independent news organisation that publishes original reporting and political analysis, verified using objective AI factchecking.

BBC Reality Check – Part of the BBC’s journalism team, this platform investigates claims made in the media and politics, providing clear explanations and context for UK audiences

Remember

Not everything online is what it seems. Being media literate helps protect you and others. If something worries you, speak to your Tutor, Manager, or safeguarding team.